Cooking apparatus



June 4, 1935. Q VAN VQQRST, JR 2,004,024

COOKING APPARATUS Filed June 15, 195s e sheets-sheet 1 46 Z ze 65 10067A J 63 'ETLl //.J/// f w Z/? ,S z a@ 164' 16 101 l HQ 159 1 138 June 4.1935.` G. VAN vooRsT, JR 2,004,024

COOKING APPAHATS l Filed June 15, 1953 's sheets-Sheet 2 y zz@ 16a- 174.www

June 4, 1935. G. VAN vooRsT, JR

COOKING APPARATUS.y

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ifled June l5, 1953 Georye Wn Marsi; J'.

June 4, 1935. G. VAN vooRsT, JR 2,004,024

Y COOKING APPARATUS Y I Filed June 15, 1933 e sheets-Sheet 4 y zzzGfeorye Ivn une 4, 1935. VAN VORST, R 2,004,024

COOKING APPARATUS 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June l5,

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COOKING APPARATUS Filed June l5, 1933 Sheets-Shea?l 6 Patented June 4,1935 UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE COOKING APPARATUS Application June 15,1933, Serial No. 676,004

19 Claims.

This invention relates to a cooking apparatus and has for one of itsobjects to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth for producing ahighly improved and appetizing barbecued food product by the utilizationcojointly of heat radiation, smoke and steam.

Further objects of the invention' are to prevent gravy burning duringthe barbecuing of meats or other foods at high temperatures; for guidingfat and juices dripping downwardly until they reach their point ofdistribution; for controlling smoke, moisture and heat distribution inan oven chamber during barbecuing; to provide for a continuous movementupwardly of heat from a fire chamber, smoke from a smudge or smoke boxand moisture from a water container; for catching the drain orcondensates caused byV smoke condensation as the smoke passes from theoven chamber; for a thoroughly efficient application of smoke to theproduct being barbecued; fora saving in fuel consumption; for.distributing heat, smoke and moisture to a greater advantage where andmost needed; for suspending container elements in an oven chamber in andfor maintaining them in spaced relation with respect to the walls of thelatter; for suspending container elements in an oven chamber in a mannerto provide for expeditiously mounting them in and removing them fromsuspended position; for reducing the withdrawal of heat from the ovenchamber at a minimum thereby providing a saving in fuel and preventexcessive shrinkage of the food being acted upon; and to attain theseendsl in a strong, durable, compact, thoroughly efdcient andcomparatively inexpensive structure.

To the above ends and to others which may hereinafter appear, theinvention consists of such parts and such combination of parts whichfall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus.

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2 Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a section on line 3 3 Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an exploded view in perspective of the elements of theapparatus which are positioned in the housing of the latter.

Figure 6 is a` perspective view of the form of supporting means employedfor track members or runners positioned in the housing of the apparatus.

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the form of supporting legemployed for the housing.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the form of divider element used.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the supporting frame for the housing.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the reinforc- 5 ing frame for thedoor.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus.

Figure 12 is a section on line |2-I2 Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the form of track memberemployed.

The apparatus includes a frame shown clearly in Figure 9 and which issupported upon hollow corner legs I of triangular contour in sectionalplan and which increase in width from the lower to the upper ends. Eachleg is set up from a casting open at its inner side and consisting of apair of vertical side parts 2, 3 increasing in width from the bottom tothe top thereof and disposed at right angles to each other, a flat basepart 4 formed with an opening 5 and an inset top part 6 provided with aseries of spaced openings 1. 'I'he base and top parts are integral withthe sides and of triangular contour. 'I'he inset top 6 forms inconnection with the sides 2, 3, a rib 8. 'I'he openings 5 are for thepassage of holdfast devices, not shown, to anchor the legs upon asupport. The purpose of the openings 'I will be hereinafter referred to.

The frame consists of a set of abutting angle bars 9, Ill', II and I2disposed at right angles with respect to each other, and each consistsof a vertical leg I3 and a horizontal leg I4 extending outwardly fromthe bottom of the leg I0. 'I'he legs I4 are positioned upon the ribs 8of the legs I. The legs I3 of bars 9, I0 are formed with 35 extensionsI5 at the ends' thereof which abut the inner faces of the legs I3 ofbars I I, I 2. Mounted upon the legs I4 are vertically disposed anglebars I1, I8, I9 and 20 constituting the corner members of the frame.Each corner member consists of a. pair of anges 20', 2| disposed atright angles to each other. 'I'he flanges .20' extend inwardly fromflanges 2| and each flange 20' is formed with a row of spaced openings22. The flanges 20' of bars I1, I8 oppose in parallel 45 spaced relationthe flanges 20 of thebars I9, 2li.

'Ihe bars and I2 have their end terminal portions abut the inner facesof the flanges 20' and their end edges abut the inner faces of flanges2|. The bars 9, III at the end terminal 50 portions thereof abut theinner faces of flanges 2| and also abut the inner faces of the endterminal'portlons of the bars I I, I2. Seated upon the legs I4, abuttingthe outer faces of the legs I3 and also abutting the edges of the corner55 members are straps 23 standing on their lower lengthwise edges andhaving their upper lengthwise edges flush with the top edges of legs I3.

The bars I1, I8 at a point between their transverse medians and lowerends are connected together by an angle bar 24 formed of a vertical anda horizontal leg 25, 26 respectively. The leg 26 extends inwardly fromthe lower end of and is of greater length than leg 25. The leg 26 ateach end thereof includes a depending portion 21. The leg 25 has its endedges abutthe lengthwise edges of the flanges 20 of the bars I1, I8. Theportions 21 of the leg 26 are secured to the inner faces of the anges 2Iof bars I1, I8. The bar 24 is arranged over and in spaced relation tothe bar I I. The bars I1, I8 at a point between the transverse mediansand upper ends thereof are connected together by an angle bar 28 formedof a vertical and a horizontal leg 29, 38 respectively. The leg 38extends inwardly from the upper end of and is of greater length than leg29. The leg 30 at each end includes a depending portion 3l. 'I'he leg 28has its end edges abut the lengthwise edges of flanges 20 of the barsI1, I8. The portions 3I of leg 30 are secured to the inner faces of theflanges 2l of bars I1, I8.

The bars I9, 20 are connected together at a point between theirtransverse medians and lower ends by an angle bar 32 formed of avertical and a horizontal leg 33, 34 respectively. The bar 32 opposes inparallel spaced relation the bar 24 but it is oppositely disposed withrespect to the latter. 'I'he leg 34 of bar 32 aligns with leg 25 of bar24 and extends inwardly from the lower end of leg 33. The leg 34 is ofgreater length than leg 33 and is provided with a depending portion 35at each end. 'I'he leg 33 has its end edges abut the lengthwise edges ofthe anges 28' of the bars I9, 20. The portions 35 of leg 34 are securedto the inner faces of the flanges ZI of the bars I9, 20.

The bars I9, 20 are connected together at the upper ends thereof by anangle bar 36 formed of a vertical and a horizontal leg 31, 38respectively. The leg 38 is of greater length than and extends inwardlyfrom the top of leg 31. The leg 38 has a depending portion 39' at eachend thereof. The leg 31 has its end edges abut the lengthwise edges offlanges 28 of bars i9, 20. The portions 38 of leg 38 are secured to theinner faces .of the anges 2| of legs I9, 28. That part of leg 38, otherthan the portions 39 thereof has its upper face flush with the top edgesof bars I9, 28. The bar 36 aligns with and is oppositely disposed withrespect to the bar 32.

The base of the frame is provided by the bars 9, I8, II, I2 and thestraps 23. The straps 23 reinforce the base and close the breaks betweenthe lengthwise edges of the corner members. The base of the frame andcorner members are secured together by any suitable means. Positionedupon the rib 8 of each leg i is an apertured triangular plate 40 uponwhich seats a portion of the horizontal legs of bars 9, I8, il and i2.The straps 23 are spot welded tothe legs i3. The bars 25 and 32 areadapted to support the oven iloor to be referred to. The bar 28constitutes an abutment for the upper end of a door to be referred to.

Anchored against the outer face of the flange 2I of corner member I1 isa vertical row of spaced superposed divider elements 4I best shown inFigure 8 and of like form. Each element 4I is a casting consisting ofupper and lower superposed spaced horizontally disposed parts 42, 43, avertically disposed outer part 44 connecting the outer ends of parts 42,43 together, an upstanding apertured lug 45 at the inner end of part 42,a depending apertured lug `4Ii at the imier end of part 43 and a seriesof openings 41 in part 44. The apertured lugs 45, 46 are for the passageof holdfast devices, not shown, to anchor the casting with the leg orange 2I of corner member I1. The openings 41 are adapted to receiveholdfast devices for the hinges of a door to be rei erred to.

The apparatus includes a housing 48 having a top wall 49, a front formedof upper and lower sections 5I, 52 arranged in superposed spacedrelation, a rear wall 53 formed with an opening 54 near its upper endand a pair of side walls 55, 56.

The top wall 49 consists of an outer section 51 of sheet metal of thedesired gauge, an intermediate section 58 of insulating material and aninner section 59 of sheet metal of the desired gauge. The sections 51,58, 59 are secured together by holdfast devices 68. The section 58 is ofgreater thickness than that of sections 51, 59. The section 51 hasdepending flanges 6I, 62 at its sides and depending ilanges 63, 64respectively at Yits front and rear. The section 59 has upstanding anges65, 66 respectively at its front and rear and which are spaced from theflanges 63, 64. The section 58 at its sides is spaced from the ilanges6I, 62 and at its front and rear abuts the flanges 65, 66. The flanges63, 65 coact to provide a pocket 61.. The flanges 64, 66 coact toprovide a pocket 68 of less width than pocket 61. The sides of section56 are spaced from flanges 6I, 62 and provide pockets 69, 18respectively. Each side marginal portion of the upper face of section 58is rabbeted as at 1I.

The side wall 55 consists of an outer metallic section 12, anintermediate section 13 of insulating material and an inner metallicsection 14. The material from which sections 12, '14 are set up may beof any desired gauge. Seated within section 13 are spaced parallelvertically disposed4 metallic straps 15 of a height less than that ofsection 13 and which abut section 14. The straps 'i5 provide anchoragesfor holdfast devices to be referred to. The section 12 is formed at itstop and at its bottom with inwardly extending flanges 16, 11respectively and at one side thereof with an angle-shaped ilange 18having its leg 19 extending inwardly at right angles with respect to theother leg. The section 12 at its other side is provided with an inwardlyextending flange 80. The sections 13 and 14 abut flanges 18 and 80. Thebottom of section 13 is spaced from ilange 11, Figure 2. The section 14at its top is formed with an outwardly directed flange 8 I whichoverlaps the top of section 13 and abuts the inner face of section 12.The latter at its top extends above flange 8| through pocket 69, abutssection 58 of top 49 of the housing and has its flange 16 seat in rabbet1I at the left of section 58, Figure 2. The bottom of sections 13 and 14seat upon the leg I4 of bar 9. The flange 11 of section 12 is positionedagainst the lower face of leg I4 of bar 9. The flange 18 overlapssection 14. The flange 80 overlaps the outer face of housing rear wall53. The flange 89 of section 14 and the section 14 are connected tofront section 52, rear wall 53 oi' the housing and to the corner membersI1, I8 by the holdfast means 82, 82'.

The side wall 56 consists of an outer metallic section 83, anintermediate section 84 of insulating material and an inner metallicsection 85.

The sections 83, 85 may be set up from any suitable gauge of sheetmetal. Seated within section 84 are spaced parallel vertically disposedmetallic straps 86 of a height less than that of section 84 and abutsection 85. The straps 86 provide anchorages for holdfast devices to bereferred to. The section 83 is formed at its top and bottom withinwardly extending flanges 81, 88 respectively and at one side thereofwith an angle-shaped flange 89 having its leg 90 extending inwardly atright angles with respect to its other leg. 'Ihe section 83 at its otherside is provided with an inwardly extending flange 9|. The sections 84,85 abut the flanges`89 and 9|. The bottom of section 84 is spaced fromflange 88. The section 85 at its top is formed with an outwardlydirected flange 92 which overlaps the top of section 84 and abuts theinner face of section 83. 'Ihe latter at its top extends above flange 92through pocket 10, abuts section 58 of top 49 of the housing and has itsflange 81 seat in rabbet 1| at the right of section 58, Figure 2. Thebottom of sections 84, 85 seat upon the leg I4 of bar I0. The flange88,0f section 83 is positioned against the lower face of leg I4 of bar|0. The flange 89 of section 83 overlaps section 85. The flange 9| ofsection 83 overlaps the .outer face of housing rear wall 53. The ange ofsection 85 and the section 85 are connected to front section 52, rearwall 53 of the housing and to the corner members I9, 20 by the holdfastmeans 93, 94.

The sections 5I, 52 of the front of the housing and the front ends ofthe sides 55, 56 form a door opening in the housing front. The sidewalls 55, 56 are 'arranged against the outer faces of the legs 2| of thecorner members. The upper section 5| of the front of the housingincludes a metallic outer part or section 95, an intermediate part orsection 96 of insulating material and a metallic inner or rear part orsection 91. The part 96 is of greater thickness than parts 95, 91. Thetop of section 5| extends into the pocket 61, Figure 1. The part 95 hasan inwardly extending flange 98 at its bottom. The part 91 has aninwardly extending flange 99 at its bottom and lan outwardly directedflange at its top abutting the upper portion of the inner face of part95. The rear edge of flange 98 is flush with the rear edge of flange 99.The flange 98 abuts flange 99. The flanges 98, 99 abut respectively thetop and bottom edges of part 96. The ends of section abut the innerfaces of the side walls 55, 56. The bottom of section 5| is seated uponthe leg 30 of bar 28. The flanges 98, 99 and leg 30 of bar 28 aresecured together by holdfast means |0|. The flange 98 forms the upperwall of the door opening and the side walls of the latter are providedby the side walls 55, 58.

' The lower section 52 of the frontof the housing includes a metallicouter part or section |02, an intermediate part or section |03 ofinsulating material and a metallic inner part or section |04. The part|03 is of greater thickness than parts |02, |04. The top and bottom ofpart I 02 are formed with inwardly extending flanges |05, |05respectively, the former being of greater width than that of the latter.The part |04 at its top is formed with an inwardly extending flange |01and at its bottom with an outwardly directed flange |08 spaced aboveflange |06. The flange |01 seats upon the leg I4 of bar II. The flange|06 opposes the lower face of leg I4 of bar II. The part I04)abuts thestrap 23 seated on leg I4 of bar II. The part |03 abuts flanges |05,|08. The flanges |05, |01 are secured together by the holdfast means I09. The flange I 05 forms the bottom wall of the door opening. The legs25, 26 of the bars 24, 28 respectively and the' legs 20' of the bar I1,I8 constitute upper, lower and side abutments for a door |I'0 which is.arranged to close the opening at the front of the housing.

The rear wall 53, Figures 1, 3 and 4, includes an outer metallic sectioniII, an intermediate section 2 of insulating material and an innermetallic section II3. The section I I2 is of greater thickness thansections III, II3. The section is formed with an inwardly extendingflange I|4 at its bottom. The section I|3 is formed at its top andbottom with outwardly directed flanges |l5, |I6 respectively and at eachside with an outwardly directed flange ||1. The section ||2 is confinedbetween the flanges II5, II 0 and II1. The flange II4 is arranged belowand is spaced from flange I| 6. The flange ||5 abuts `the lower face ofsection 58 of the top 49 of the housing. The section I-II extends aboveflange II5 into pocket 68. The flange |I6 seats upon the leg I4 of barI2. The section I|3 abuts against a strap 23. The flange II4 opposes thelower face of the leg I4 of bar I2. The flanges |I5, II6 abut section II I and the latter abuts flanges I I1. 'I'he rear wall 53 and top 49 ofthe housing are secured to the bar 36 by any suitable means. The sectionI|3 of wall 53 abuts the leg 31 of bar 36 and the section 59 of top 48seats upon the leg 38 of bar 36.

Seated upon plates 40 is a rectangular plate |I8 of metallic materialprovided with side and end flanges |I9. |20 flush with the side and endedges of the plate body and extending upwardly from the upper face ofthe latter. The flanges I I9, |20 merge into each other and from theplate I|8 with an endless upstandingvrim I2I. The plate I I8 forms afloor for a fire box |22 arranged at the lower` portion of housing 48and it is provided with two parallel spaced rows |23, |24, Figure 3, ofspaced openings. The rows extend lengthwise of plate I I8 and arearranged adjacent the sides of the longitudinal median of the plate. Ateach corner of plate I I8 it is formed with a set of openings |25aligning with the openings in a plate 40. Extending through the tops ofthe legs I, the openings in plates 40 and the openings |25 are holdfastmeans |26 for anchoring plate II8 with the legs I. The side flanges I I9of plate I I8 are secured to and againstthe vertical legs |3 of the bars9, I0, Figure 2. The end flanges |20 of plate |I8 are spaced from thevertical legs I3 of the bars I I, I2, Figure 1. The plate II8 alsoconstitutes the bottom of the housing 48.

The door I I0, Figures l and includes a frame |21 provided at the frontof its top with a depending flange |28, at the front of its bottom withan upwardly extending flange |29 and at the front of its sides withinwardly extending flanges |30, I3I. The said several flanges merge intoeach other. The flange |3I is formed with superposed spaced groups |32of openings. The number of groups correspond to the number of hinges i-the flanges of the frame |21. Arranged against the inner face ofpanel|34 is a metallic sheet |38 which is fianged, as at |31 to overlap thepanel edges; Positioned against the outer face of panel |34 is ametallic sheet |38 which is flanged, as at |39 to overlap the flangedportion |31 ci' sheet |36. The frame |21, panel |34 and sheets |36, |38are secured together by the holdfastmeans |40.

The door I l is connected with side wall 55 by a set of superposedhinges |4|. The number of hinges of the set will correspond to thenumber of divider elements 4| employed. Each hinge, Figure 12, willconsist of a stationary leaf |42 anchored to wall 55 and a shiftableleaf |43 anchored to door I0 and pivotally connected to leaf |42, as atI 44. The leaves |42 project beyond the front edge of wall 55. Theleaves |43 are disposed transversely of the front edge o f wall.44 andextend inwardly therefrom to upon the outer face of door H0. Theholdfast means |45 for the leaves |43 extend through the latter, thesheet |38 into panel 35, through the group of openings |32 and areanchored to fiange |3 The divider elements 4| are arranged in superposedspaced relation, Figure 1.2, within wall 55 between sections 12, 14 andin section 13 of such wall. The elements 4| abut the sections 12, 14.Holdfast means |46 extends through lugs 45, 46, section 14, and areanchored to leg or flange 2| of corner member |1. Holdfast means |41extend through the leaves |42, section 12 of wall 55, outer part 44 andopenings 41 of elements41 and are anchored to said elements.

Laterally extending supporting brackets |48 are anchored to the lowerfront section 52 and side wall 56 for a gas supply line |49 formed withspaced branches |50, which extends into the wall 56 and have connectedtherewith the ends of an upstanding line branch |52 in the form of aninverted U embedded in section 84 of wall 55. Interposed in line branchthermostatically controlled shut-olf valve structure |53 for line |49.The structure |53 is secured to wall 56, as well as having the barrel orstem |54 thereof extending through wall 56 into the upper portion ofhousing 48. Leading from branch |50 to a burner |55 is a pilot lightline |56 arranged in the lower portion of housing 48 above plate I |8.The supply line |49 between branch |5| and its closed end |51 isprovided with a valve controlled branch |58 which is coupled to theouter end of burner |55. The latter extends through the lower frontsection 52 of the housing. The supply line |49 rearwardly of the branch|50 is provided with a cut-off |59.

The burner |55 is arranged over plate ||8 and positioned between therows of openings |23, |24. The inner end of burner |55 is supported upona bracket |68 secured to the section ||3 of rear wall 53. The burner |55is formed with a pair of laterally disposed oppositely extending tubulararms |6I, |62 arranged at the center of fire box |22.

Positioned against the inner face of housing wall 55 is a pair of spacedparallel vertically disposed supporting elements |63, only one shown.Positioned against the inner face of housing wall 56 is a pair of spacedparallel supporting elements |64. The elements |63 are anchored with thestraps 15 by suitable holdfast means. The elements |64 are anchored withthe straps 86 by suitable holdfast means. Each of said elements, Figure6 consists of an oblong bar |65 having openings |65 for the passage ofholdfast means for anchoring the bar to the housing. The bar |65 hasprojecting from one face thereof lugs |66,

|52 is an adjustable |61, |68, |69, and |1 arrangednsuperposed spacedrelation and each'having a socket |12 at its outer end. The top face |13of the-lugs*V arranged in sidewise opposed alignment. The

lugs of elements-|64 are arranged in sidewise opposed alignment. Theretainers of elements |64 are arranged in sidewise opposed alignment.The lugs and retainers of elements |63 align respectively with the lugsand retainers of elements |64. The retainers are of greater length thanthe lugs and extend beyond the free ends of the latter. Secured at theirouter ends to the flanges or legs 20 of the corner members or bars |1,|8 and extending to wall 53, as well as being secured against the outerends of the lugs of elements |63 and |64 are two sets of superposedspaced track members. Holdfast devices, not shown, extend through thetrack members of one set coact with those of the other set to provide aseries of superposed spaced tracks. Each track member, Figure 13,consists of a strap |18 of sheet metal provided with openings |19' toregister with a pair of sockets |12, an angularly disposed end |80 toabut wall 53 and an angularlyV disposed reduced apertured outer end |8|for connection to a leg or flange 20. The top edges of the track members|80, |8|, |82, |83, |86, |81, |88 and |09 are overlapped by and spacedfrom the retainers. The track members of one set are arranged inalignment with the track members of the other set. The track membersalso constitute tracks for other elements of the apparatus to bereferred to, but also provide for removably suspending such' elementswithin the housing 48. The apertures in the angularly disposed outerends of the track members align with the openings 22 in the flanges orlegs 20' of the bars |1, |8.

Slidably and removably mounted on the track members or runners |18, |84is a fioor member |90 which in connection with that portion of thehousing thereabove provides an oven |9I. The member |90 in connectionwith that portion of the housing therebelow and the plate 8 provides thenre box |22. The member |90 is in the form of a rectangular plate formedat its sides with depending flanges |92, |93 positioned over the lugs|66to which track members |18, |84 are secured. The member |90 centrallythereof is provided with a transversely extending ovalshaped slot |94and in proximity to one end thereof a segmental-shaped slot |85. Securedto the lower face of and depending from member |90 is a V-shaped flamespreader |96 formed with a transverse slot |91 aligning with slot |94.The longitudinal median of spreader |96 aligns with the longitudinalmedian of member |90. Spreader |96 is of less length than and has itssides secured, as at |98 to the lower face of member |90 adjacent theflanges |92, |93. The body of burner |55 is disposed in alignment withthe longitudinal median of spreader |96 and the arms |6|, |62 of burner|55 are disposed in alignment with slots |94, |91.

Slidably and removably mounted on the track members or runners |19, |85is a smudge or smoke box element |99 consisting of a rectangular plateor apron 200 formed at its center with a transversely disposedrectangular opening 20|. Integral with and depending from plate 200, aswell as having its inner face flush With the edges of opening 20| is aclosed bottom container 202. The plate 200 at each side thereof isformed with depending flanges 203, 204. 'Ihe plate 200 is positionedupon track members |19, |85 and flanges 203, 204 are arranged over thelugs |61 to which said members are secured. A removable cover or lid 205is provided for lthe container 202 and it consists of an upper section206 having depending side flanges 201 for seating on plate 200 adjacentthe side edges of opening 20|, an intermediate section 208 abuttingflanges 201 and an inner section 209 of less width than section 206. Thesection 209 has depending side'iianges 2|0 which extend into container202 and bear against the inner side faces of the latter. The sections ofcover 205 are suitably secured together. The flanges 201 are spaced fromflanges 2|0 and have rounded end edges.

Slidably and removably mounted on the track members or runners |80, |86is an open top water evaporating pan or tray 2| formed at the top ofeach side thereof with a laterally extending flange. The flanges areindicated lat 2| 2, 2|3 and each includes a horizontal leg 2 I4 and avertical leg 2|5 depending from the leg 2|4. The horizontal legs of theflanges 2|2, 2I3 are mounted on track members |80, |86 respectively andthe .vertical legs of-said flanges oppose the lugs |68 to which the saidtrack members are secured. The horizontal legs of flanges 2|2, |23extend between track members |80, |86 and retainers |14. The legs 2|4are of a width greater than the height of legs 2|5.

Slidably and removably mounted upon the track members or runners I8 |81is an open drip, collecting pan or tray 2|6 preferably of less depththan that of pan 2| 'Ihe pan 2 I6 has the top of each side thereofformed with a laterally extending flange. The anges are indicated at2|1, 2 |8 and each is formed of a horizontal leg 2|9 and a vertical leg220 depending from leg 2| 9. The horizontal legs of the flanges 2 I1,2|8 are mounted on track members |8|, |81 respectively and the verticallegs of said flanges oppose the lugs |69 to which the said track membersare secured. The horizontal legs of flanges 2|1, 2|8 extend betweentrack members |9I, |81 and the retainers |15. The legs 2 9 are ofgreater width than the height of legs 220.

Slidably and removably mounted upon the track members or runners |82,|88 ls an open top food cooking receptacle, pan or tray 22| andslidably` and removably mounted upon the track members or runners |83,|89 is an open top food cooking receptacle, pan or tray 222. As each ofthe cooking receptacles or pans are of the same construction, but onewill be described as the description of one will apply to the other.Each cooking receptacle comprises a rectangular body part 223 open atits top and bottom and formed at the top of each side thereof with anoutwardly directed lateral flange. 'I'he flanges are indicated at 224,225 and are of the same form as the anges for the drip collecting andwater pans.

|88, lugs |10 and retainers |16 as the flanges of` pan 2| 6 are arrangedwith respect to track members |8|, |81, lugs |69 and retainers |15. The

flanges 224, 225 of receptacle 222fare arranged in the same manner withrespect to track members |83, |89, lugs |1| and retainers |11 as theflanges of pan 2| 6 are arranged with respect to track members |8|, |81,lugs |69 and retainers |15.

Secured to the inner face of wall 53 centrally thereof is a verticallydisposed strap-like member 228 formed with oiset parts 229, 230, 23| and232 constituting bumpers for the rear ends of the pans, receptacles ortrays 2||, 2|6, 22| and 222 respectively. The offsets also spacethe-elements 2||, 2|6, 22| and 222 from wall 53. 'I'he offset 229 alsoprovides a bumper for the rear end of plate 200 and spaces such end fromwall 53. The plate |90 extends from the door opening to wall 53. Themember 228 is arranged above the plate extending towards, as' well asterminating adjacent the upper front section 5| of the housing is abaffle plate 233 having its forward end 234 extended upwardly. The plate233 is secured to wall 53 in proximity to opening 54.

Extended into opening 54 is an outlet ilue 235 forming a part of aby-pass structure 236 of T-shape contour. The flue 235 forms the stem ofthe T and opens at its outer end into and intermediate the ends of avertical pipe 231 leading to a smoke stack. Pipe 231 is provided belowue 235 with adamper 238 and at its lower end with a cup 239 constitutinga receptacle for catching the drain caused by smoke condensation as itenters pipe 231. This condensation results from the mixture of heat,smoke and moisture in the oven chamber and the cup 239 is provided toprevent the drip flowing upon and soiling the support upon which theapparatus is mounted. pin 240 and bayonet slot 24| is provided fordetachably connecting the cup to the pipe. In using the by-passstructure 236,V the draft from outside stack is passed into the openwhich permits only the natural outflow of heat and smoke from the oven.If more draft is required through the oven chamber in order to removesmoke, this is accomplished by turning the damper in order to divert thedraft from the outside and passing it through the oven instead. Bylthisarrangement, the heat, smoke and moisture may be kept under perfectcontrol in the oven and the cooking and smoke avoring process therebygreatly improved.

The purpose of the smoke or smudge box is to produce smoke forbarbecuing and smoking meats and other foods in trays above. The smokeis produced by putting any kind of wood or com cobs to roast or burn inthe container and of placing cover on box after `which the heat isapplied from underneath. The cover on smudge box is so adjusted as tocreate a semi-vacuum or smudge' condition and to prevent combustionbreaking into flame. In this smudge condition, smoke is developed asneeded in the barbecuing process.

The arrangement of the sections of the cdver of the smoke box is forpurpose of deecting smoke to be carried upward through flue spaceprovided runners and side walls of the oven chamf |90. Secured to theinner face of wall-53 and ber. There is' also ilue space provided behindbumpers in rear and between front end of the trays and inner surface ofdoor. With this arrangement there is a continuous movement upward fromfire chamber of'heat from smudge box of smoke and from water pan ofmoisture. This combination of heat, smoke, and moisture intermingles andforms an ideal cooking condition as produced by this arrangement inconnection with outside by-pass control for barbecuing meat and otherkinds of food.

The circulation and combination of the three elements-heat, smoke, andmoisture-is facilitated by introducing air through the fire box orchamber floor at openings |23, |24 Where airis heated in fire box orchamber, then passed through flue space at sides of oven floor, and atthe same time heat is being applied through the opening |94 to smudgebox. In this manner heat and smoke unites at apron level of the smudgebox and the heat also starts action of the water in the water panproducing moisture. The three elements are thus carried upward by forceof the heat until such force finds exit through opening in front ofbaille 233 thence out through smoke stack as permitted by regulation ofby-pass structure 236.

When the smudge box cover is in place it provides an opening at each endofbody 202 above apron or plate 200 to allow the smoke passing out ofsmoke box body at each end adjacent to each side wall of oven.

The lengthwise flame from the burner contacts the spreader |96 from endto end to produce heat for cooking in the upper portion of the oven,while the cross arm flame contacts smudge box and causes the wood in thelatter to roast or burn 'and produce smoke as needed the barbecuingprocess carried in the oven.

The form of smudge box or element is operated at a saving in wood, aswell as other fuel, and at the same time produces a more eillcientapplication of smoke to the product being barbecued.

'I'he construction and arrangement of the burner and its position underand in connection with the flame spreader is a valuable improvement inheat application in that it works a definite saving in fuel anddistributes the heat, smoke, and moisture to greater advantage, whereand when most needed, in the oven chamber.

The arrangement of oven iloor upon the track members or runners greatlyfacilitates assembling of parts beneath it and to permit cleaning andadjusting burners-also of removing any deposits that might accrue in thefire chamber.

The arrangement of smudge box element on i the track members or runnersis a valuable improvement in that the smoke box maybe removed from ovenby withdrawing instantly, in case smoke is not desired in the ovenchamber.

The other trays above, including water pan, drip pan, and' the cookingtrays, may be also readily withdrawn entirely, or in part, for examing,filling, or removing contents which is a denite improvement in barbecueoven construction.

The bumpers permit space for circulation at the rear end of the trays toupper levels, a mu'ch .needed feature to accomplish even distribution ofheat, lsmoke and moisture, and to prevent damage by trays bumpingagainst rearwall.

The by-pass controlling structure to which is attached condensationcollecting cup is a valuable improvement in barbecuing-in that draftthrough oven chamber is so controlled as to reduce withdrawal of heat tothe minimum-thereby working a .saving in fuel and of preventingexcessive shrinkage of theV food. Another important feature of theby-pass is that it may be used readily to divert the draft through ovenchamber when it becomes necessary to open the oven door-thus preventingsmoke from the smudge box being released into the room through theopened oven door.

The by-pass controlling structure 236 is also valuable in that by itsuse, the smoke-heat-moisture mixture is slowly circulated in a perfectstate of suspension in the cooking chamber, causing a constant action ofcondensation of smoke and moisture-as all surfaces of the food are beingcontacted and kept completely enveloped in the circulating mixtureduring the-cooking process.

Since the food being barbecued is put into theoven while the food iscold, and that the food remains at a temperature, for the greaterI partof the cooking period, much lower than that of the heat-smoke-moisturemixture within the cooking chamber, a definite part of the slowlycirculating hot smoke intermingled with the steaming moisture isnaturally precipitated upon the cooler body of the product beingbarbecued-as they are contacted during the cooking process therebyimparting a uniform smoke flavor, and at the same time, supplyingmoisture to the product that makes unnecessary the old fashioned mannerof frequently basting the food to prevent the formation of a hard, drycrust on the surface.

The reticulated bottom of the cooking trays are arranged over drip panand placed on the slanting inner edges of the trays. The drip throughsaid bottoms is guided by the slanting flange or extension 226 inward soas to drip directly into drip pan 2|6. v

The drip pan being next above water pan, and contacting a constant ilowof moisture from water pan, prevents gravy burning during cookingprocess when barbecuing meats or other foods y ment including a platefor removably suspending in an oven and formed with an opening, an opentop container depending from the plate and registering wlth the opening,and an insulated cover for the container, the cover including upper andlower flanged sections, one extending into the container and the otherseating on said plate, said sections positioned relatively to each otherto provide an outlet at each end of the open top of the container.

3. In a cooking apparatus of that type includ-- ing a housing formedwith an oven, a combined oor plate land flame spreader device, saidplate being formed with depending side flanges removably supportedwithin the oven from a pair of 0p-v posed walls of the housing andproviding the oor for the oven, said spreader being secured at spacedopposed points to spaced portionsof the lower face of said plate andformed with a depending intermediate portion open at each end, saidplate and spreader being formed with` transversely extending openings,the opening in the plate aligning with the opening in the spreader, theintermediate portion of said spreader being of vV- shape contour intransverse section and having the transverse opening of the spreaderformed therein, that part of the spreader from its opening beingimperforate.

4. Ina cooking apparatus of that type including a housing formed with anoven, a combined yoor plate and ame spreader device, said plate beingformedwith depending side flanges remov ably supported within the ovenfrom a pair of opposed walls of the housing and providing the floor forthe oven, said spreader being secured at spaced opposed points to spacedportions of the lower face of said plate and formed with a dependingintermediate portion open at each end, said plate and spreader beingformed with transversely extending openings, said spreader having itsedges spaced from the edges of said plate, the opening in the platealigning withA the opening in the spreader, the intermediate portion ofsaidspreader being of V-shape contour in transverse section and havingthe transverse opening oi the spreader formed therein, that part of thespreader from its opening being imperforate.

5. In a cooking apparatus, a housing having means therein providing a rebox and an oven above and permanently communicating with the latter,heat generating means within the fire box, a series of superposed trackswithin and spaced and supported from the side walls of the oven, a

smoke producing element arranged directly over the fire box and havingmeans for detachably connecting it to, slidably mounting it on and forsupporting it from the lowermost track, a moisture producing meansarranged directly over said element and having means for detachablyconnecting it to, slidably mounting it on and for supporting it fromanother of the tracks, a drip collecting element arranged directly oversaid moisture producingmeans and having means for detachably connectingit to, slidably mounting it on and for supporting it from another ofsaid tracks, superposed spaced cookers arranged above said collectingelement and each having means for detachably connecting it to, slidablymounting it on and for supporting it from another of said tracks, a doorfor the opening, an adjustable heat,

smoke and moisture controlling structure opening through one wall of thehousing into said Oven above the upper of said cookers, said smokeproducingl element, moisture producing means, drip collecting elementand cookers being spaced from the walls of the oven, and combinedbumpers and spacers secured to and extended from the inner face oi.' oneof the walls of the oven for said elements, cookers and moistureproducing means. the said combined bumpers and spacers being arranged insuperposed spaced relation.

6. In a cooking apparatus, an open bottom and closed top housingincluding a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls, each of said walls consisting of inner and outer sectionsoverlapping each other and an insulating body arranged between saidsections, an apertured flanged plate arranged within the open'bottom ofsaid housing for partly closing said bottom and t spaced from said frontand rear walls, apertured means within the housing arranged above saidplate and forming in. connection-with the latter and the housing a nrebox and an oven, a frame structure upon which the lower end of thehousing is mounted, said apertured means being supported fro said sidewalls, said plate being secured to t e'sides of said frames, saidstructure including upstanding angle irons positioned against the innerface of the housing at and adjacent the corners of the latter, saidirons being anchored to the housing, and spaced supporting legs anchoredat their upper ends with said plate.

7. In a cooking apparatus, an open bottom and closed top housingincluding a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls, a pair of superposed spaced elements arranged within the housingfor forming the latter with an oven and a fire box, a. frame structureupon which the lower end of the housing is supported, one of saidelements being supported from saidl side walls, said structure includingupstanding corner irons positioned against the inner face of the housingat and adjacent the corners of the latter, said irons being anchored tothe housing, triangular-shaped plates arranged against the bottom ofsaid frame at the corners thereof, supporting legs bearing against saidplates, the lower of said elements being anchored to a pair of opposedwalls of said fire box, and means for anchoring the lower of saidelements, said plates and legs together.

8. In a cooking apparatus, a housing structure, and a combined floormember and ilame spreader partitioning unit supported in the housing andforming in connection with the latter an oven chamber and a re box, saidunit depending into the lire box and formed with a pair of centrallyarranged aligning superposed spaced openings for permanentlyestablishing communication between the fire box and said chamber.-

9. In a cooking apparatus, a housing structure, a horizontally disposediiat rectangular partitioning member supported in the housing andforming in connection with the latter an oven chamber and a fire box, anupstanding V-shaped spreader depending from and having its upper endsanchored to the side marginal portions oi the lower face of said memberand .its side edges arranged inwardly of the ends of and spaced from thelower face of said member, said member being formed at its centerandtransversely thereo1' with an elongated opening, said spreader beingformed with an elongated opening aligning with the opening in saidmember, and said openings permanently Aestablishing communicationbetween said re box and chamber.

10. In a cooking apparatus, a housing structure, a horizontally disposedflat rectangular partitioning member supported in the housing andforming in connection with the latter an oven chamber and a fire box, anupstanding V-shapcd spreader depending from and having its upper endsanchored to the side marginal portions of the lower face of said memberand its side edges arranged inwardly of the ends of and spaced from thelower face of said member, said member being formed at its center andtransversely thereof with an elongated opening, said spreader beingformed with an elongated opening aligning with the opening in saidmember, and said openings fil chamber and a iire box, 'an upstandingV-shaped spreader depending from and having its upper ends anchored tothe side marginal portions of the lower face of said member and its sideedges arranged inwardly of the ends of and spaced from the lower face ofsaid member, said member being formed at its center and transverselythereof with an elongated opening, said spreader being formed with anelongated opening aligning with the opening in said member, and saidopenings permanently establishing communication between said re box andchamber, and a smudge box suspended within said chamber in spacedrelation to the walls of the latter, said box -being arranged above andspaced from said member and positioned directly over the opening in thelatter.

12. In a cooking apparatus, an roven forming structure including a pairof side walls, a front and a rear wall, a. set of superposed spacedelements slidably supported therein from the side walls thereof, and avertically disposed member of narrow strap-like form having spacedportions anchored directly to the inner face of said rear wall, saidmember being formed with a set of spaced superposed aligning open onsetparts extending towards the oven front and directed into the path of andacting to prevent said, elements from abutting said rear wall.

13. In a cooking apparatus, a vertipal closed top and open bottomhousing having an outlet near its upper end, an apertured platesupported within said open bottom, a centrally :apertured unit suspendedin the housing in spaced relation to said plate and forming inconnection with that portion of the walls of the housing thereabove anoven chamber and in connection with that portion of the walls of thehousing therebelow and said plate a flre box permanently communicatingwith said chamber through said unit, and a horizontally disposed smudgebox suspended in said chamber in spaced relation to the housing wallsand disposed in superposed spaced relation with respect to the aperturedportion of said unit.

14. In a cooking apparatus, the'combination of a hollow closed top andapertured bottom structure having its upper portion provided with anoutlet, a centrally apertured unit supported by and within saidstructure above said apertured bottom and forming the structure with anoven chamber and a fire box permanently communicating with said chamberthrough the center of said unit, a burner within the nre box and havinga ported part aligning with the apertured part of said unit, and asmudge box suspended in said chamber above and in spaced relation tosaid unit and disposed in alignment with the apertured part of thelatter.

l5. In a cooking apparatus, an open bottom and closed top housing havingan outlet in proximity to its upper end, said housing including a front,a rear and a pair of side walls, supporting leg structures anchored withthe bottoms of and having portions extending inwardly from said a smoke,producing element suspended in the lower portion of the oven and spacedfrom and arranged directly over the point of communication between there box and the oven, an adjustable heat, smoke and moisture controllingstructure arranged exteriorly of and communicating with the upperportion of the oven, and a baille disposed lengthwise of the upperportion of" the oven in proximityto and below the point of communicationbetween said structure and oven extending from therear Wall of the ovento a point in proximity to the front wall of the latter.

1'7. In a cooking apparatus, a vertical housing having means therein atits lower end` and spaced from its lower ends to provide respectively are vbox having an apertured bottom fonthe intake teriorly of andpermanently communicating with l l the upper portion o! the oven.

18. In a cooking apparatus, a vertical housing having spaced superposedapertured elementsarranged therein to provide` an oven having anapertured bottom for the passage of heat thereunto and a re box belowthe oven having an apertured bottom for the passage of air thereinto,the apertured bottom for the oven constituting the top of the nre boxand permanently establishing communication between the latter and theoven, means for anchoring the lower of said elements to opposed -wallsof the housing, means for connecting the upper of said elements toopposed walls of the housing, a smudge box arranged in spaced relationto the walls of the housing, positioned in spaced relation with respectto and arranged over the point of communication between the nre box andoven, and means extended from said smudge box for suspending the latterfrom opposed walls of the housing.

19. `In a cooking apparatus, a vertical housing having spaced superposedapertured elements arranged therein to provide an oven having anapertured bottom for the passage of air thereinto and a re box below theoven having an apertured bottom for thepassage of air thereinto, theapertured bottom for the oven constitutng the top of the flre box andpermanently establishing communication between the latter and the oven,means for anchoring the lower of said elements to opposed walls of thehousing means for connecting the upper of said elements to opposed walls'of the housing, a smudge box arranged in spaced relation to the wallsof the housing, positioned in spaced relation with respect to andarranged over the point of communication between the re box and oven,and means extended from said smudge box for suspending the latter fromopposed walls ofl the housing, a moisture producing element, said smudgebox arranged directly below, spaced from and disposed centrally withrespect to said moisture producing element and an adjustable heat, smokeand moisture controlling element structure arranged exteriorly of andcommunicating with the upper portion of said oven.

GEORGE VAN VOORST, JR.

